AI Summary:
- Culver-Stockton College announced it welcomed 362 new students for fall 2026, a 15% increase over last year and its second straight year of double-digit new-student growth, following a 25% increase in 2025-26.
- The incoming class includes students from 36 states, Puerto Rico, and 12 countries.
- The College also reported a perfect 3.000 Financial Responsibility Score from the U.S. Department of Education and an endowment of $51.6 million as of August 31, 2026, up 16.1% from $44.5 million on July 1, 2025.
Culver-Stockton College is celebrating another strong fall enrollment season, welcoming 362 new students, a 15% increase over last year. Building on a 25% new student enrollment increase in the 2025-26 academic year, this year’s incoming class includes 36 states, Puerto Rico, and 12 countries, highlighting both C-SC’s deep regional roots and its expanding global reach.
“Students choose Culver-Stockton because they want an education that goes beyond textbooks and classrooms,” said Dr. Lauren Schellenberger, president of Culver-Stockton College. “Our strong momentum, both in recruiting new Wildcats and retaining current ones, is a direct result of our hands-on, experiential learning model. We are equipping students with the critical thinking, adaptability, and real-world skills required to thrive in a rapidly changing workforce.”
Those numbers reflect a wider reach, according to Vice President for Enrollment Management Melanie Lechtenberg.
“Enrollment growth is about more than hitting targets,” she noted. “It’s about building a dynamic, inclusive campus culture. Whether they are moving down the road or flying across the globe, students are choosing C-SC because they see a vibrant community where they truly belong and an environment designed for their personal and academic success.”
C-SC’s strength is also evident in the College’s financial standing. Financial Responsibility Scores, issued annually by the U.S. Department of Education, are ranked in three tiers, with Tier One scores ranging from 1.500 to 3.000 and 3.000 being the highest. Culver-Stockton improved its score from 2.500 in 2023 to a perfect 3.000 in 2024 and achieved another perfect 3.000 in 2025. (The 2026 U.S. Dept. of Ed scores have not been released yet.)
That fiscal strength extends to the College’s investments, as well. C-SC’s endowment reached $51.6 million as of Aug. 31 (2026), a 16.1% increase from $44.5 million on July 1, 2025.
Culver-Stockton College’s enrollment growth underscores the College’s continued investment in academic programs that align with the needs of business and industry, student success, and campus life.
High school seniors are encouraged to apply early in their senior year and to remain attentive to scholarship deadlines. The 2027-28 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will open October 1, and students are advised to complete their applications as soon as possible to maximize potential aid for the Fall 2027 semester.
To learn more about academic programs and campus life, prospective students are invited to attend Explore the Roar Visit Day on Friday, Sept. 25. Registration is required. Sign up today at culver.edu/visit.
Culver-Stockton also offers individual visits on most weekdays and select Saturdays, providing opportunities for a campus tour, meetings with faculty, and connections with coaches and fine arts faculty. Admission counselors are available to answer questions and guide students through the application process. Group visits for student organizations may be arranged by contacting the Admission Office at admission@culver.edu.
In addition, C-SC will host several fall campus-visit events:
- Young Writers Conference (Oct. 21) – High school students work with faculty and
C-SC students in creative writing, non-fiction, playwriting, and more. - Master of Athletic Training Visit Day (Oct. 26) – Students interested in athletic training participate in hands-on activities, earn Stop the Bleed certification, and learn about career opportunities in sports medicine.
- Honor Choir (Oct. 7) – High school students participate in workshops, tour campus, and conclude the day with a performance.
- Stand and Deliver: The Wildcat Gauntlet (Oct. 29) – An interactive competition designed to prepare education majors for the professional expectations of the field.
For questions about admission and/or scholarship opportunities, contact the Admission Office at 573-288-6000 or admission@culver.edu.
Photo: Class photo of Fall 2026 new students prior to the Everyone Doing More service activity, part of the Konneker Program at Culver-Stockton College.
Contact the Marketing & Public Relations Office, at pr@culver.edu or 573-288-6000 ext. 6728 for more information.
NOTE: A number that appears immediately after a person’s name (i.e. Jane Doe ’18) is a reference to the year that person earned their bachelor’s degree from Culver-Stockton.